Brussels, June 13, 2024 — In a rare display of unity amid Europe’s often-divided migration debates, EU member states today agreed to extend temporary protection for millions of Ukrainians displaced by Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. The decision, backed unanimously by the Council of the European Union, will prolong emergency protections until 4 March 2027 , offering stability and safety to over four million people who have fled Ukraine since February 2022.

The extension comes as Russian airstrikes continue to target civilian infrastructure across Ukraine, forcing more families to flee and preventing those already abroad from returning home safely.

“This is a clear signal that Europe remains united in its solidarity with Ukraine,” said Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the Council this semester. “While Russia continues to terrorize Ukrainian civilians, the EU continues to offer shelter, safety, and dignity.”

Since March 2022, the EU has provided protection under the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) — an emergency mechanism activated for the first time in the bloc’s history. Designed to respond swiftly to mass displacement crises, the directive allows Ukrainian refugees to access housing, work permits, healthcare, education, and social assistance without undergoing lengthy asylum procedures.

Originally set to expire on 4 March 2026, the directive will now remain in force for another year. Crucially, the terms of protection — including eligibility criteria and the rights afforded to beneficiaries — remain unchanged.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for a Durable Solution

Beyond the immediate extension, EU countries are also beginning coordinated discussions on what comes next. Member states are examining a Council recommendation aimed at preparing for a phased transition out of temporary protection once conditions in Ukraine allow for safe returns.

“The war won’t last forever, and we must be ready for the day when peace returns,” Siemoniak added. “That includes thinking about how to manage a dignified return process and ensuring that those who wish to stay can regularize their status in line with EU law.”

The proposed strategy outlines plans for:

• Transitioning beneficiaries to longer-term residence permits or other legal statuses;
• Supporting voluntary returns to Ukraine;
• Providing accurate information to refugees about their options;
• Coordinating reintegration efforts within Ukraine and host communities across the EU.

The European Commission retains the authority to propose an earlier suspension of the directive should the security situation in Ukraine significantly improve.

What Is Temporary Protection?

Adopted in 2001 after conflicts in the Western Balkans, the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive serves as a rapid-response framework for large-scale displacement. It bypasses individual asylum procedures and grants collective protection to all eligible persons fleeing a specific crisis — in this case, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Under the directive, beneficiaries enjoy essential rights across the EU:

• Legal residence;
• Access to employment and housing;
• Medical care;
• Social benefits;
• School enrollment for children.

However, implementation varies by country, with some member states offering additional support while others operate closer to the minimum standards.

A Necessary Measure, Not a Permanent Fix

While the extension brings relief to refugees and humanitarian organizations alike, it underscores the protracted nature of the conflict. Millions of Ukrainians — many of them women and children — remain unable to return home due to continued bombardments, lack of infrastructure, and active fighting in key regions.

“This is not a permanent solution,” stressed one EU official involved in the negotiations. “But in the current circumstances, it’s the only humane option.”

The formal adoption of the extension is expected at an upcoming Council session in the coming weeks.

As the war enters its third year, today’s decision reaffirms the EU’s commitment to stand by the Ukrainian people — not just in words, but in action. For now, temporary protection remains a vital lifeline, shielding millions from the worst consequences of a war they did not ask for.

The Council reaches a political agreement about extending the temporary protection for more than 4 million Ukrainians who fled from Russia’s war of aggression.

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Brussels, June 13, 2025 — On the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Schengen Agreement, the Council of the European Union has formally adopted a new Schengen Declaration , reaffirming its unwavering commitment to preserving and strengthening Europe’s groundbreaking zone of free movement. The declaration underscores the importance of Schengen not only as an economic and social cornerstone but also as a symbol of European unity, resilience, and shared values.

The commemoration comes at a time when the Schengen area — now the world’s largest free movement zone — faces complex challenges ranging from migration pressures to evolving security threats. With over 450 million citizens benefiting from borderless travel, and more than two million people commuting daily across internal borders, the EU continues to rely on Schengen as a vital mechanism for fostering integration, trade, and cooperation.

A Pledge for Unity and Security

Polish Minister of the Interior and Administration, Tomasz Siemoniak , who currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council, emphasized the enduring significance of Schengen in today’s uncertain geopolitical climate:

“We have come together on the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Schengen Agreement to highlight our common commitment to Europe’s security, building resilience and readiness for today’s challenges,” said Siemoniak.

“Guided by our shared values, we pledge to continue investing in the common area without internal borders, ensuring strong management of our external borders, a more effective fight against illegal migration and a high level of internal security.”

Seven Pillars to Strengthen Schengen

In response to mounting pressures, the Council outlined seven key commitments aimed at reinforcing the integrity and effectiveness of the Schengen area:

1. Upholding Core Values : Promoting respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights within a unified space of freedom, security, and justice.
2. Preserving Free Movement : Ensuring that internal border controls remain a last resort while enhancing external border management, addressing secondary movements, and combating cross-border crime and terrorism.
3. Enhancing Law Enforcement Cooperation : Deepening inter-agency collaboration and leveraging advanced IT systems to bolster security and facilitate seamless mobility.
4. Humanely Managing Migration Flows : Preventing unauthorized entry and facilitating dignified returns for those without legal status.
5. Strengthening External Relations : Improving visa policy, border control, and international cooperation with third countries on return and readmission processes.
6. Building Mutual Trust : Encouraging joint responses to Schengen-related challenges among member states.
7. Investing in the Future : Allocating sufficient resources and embracing innovation to ensure Schengen remains technologically and operationally robust.

A Legacy of Integration

Signed on June 14, 1985 , by five founding countries — Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands — the Schengen Agreement laid the foundation for what would become one of the most tangible achievements of European integration. Initially a bold experiment, it evolved into a transformative reality with the Schengen Convention of 1990 , which came into force in 1995, abolishing internal border checks between participating nations.

Today, the Schengen Area encompasses 29 countries , including all EU members except Cyprus and Ireland, as well as four non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Economic and Social Impact

Beyond its symbolic value, Schengen plays a critical role in Europe’s economy. Intra-EU trade reached a record €4.1 trillion in 2024 , facilitated by frictionless movement of goods and labor. Moreover, Schengen makes the EU the world’s top tourist destination , attracting nearly 40% of global international travelers annually.

As the EU looks ahead, the renewed Schengen Declaration serves as both a tribute to past achievements and a blueprint for future resilience. By combining historical legacy with modern adaptability, the bloc aims to safeguard one of its most cherished freedoms — the right to move freely across a continent once divided, now united.

The Council approves a declaration to mark the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Schengen Agreement.

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